RSP Film Room No.13: RB David Cobb w/Emory Hunt

Emory Hunt and I break down Minnesota RB David Cobb, a must-watch for those who love RB play.

I met Emory Hunt about 10 weeks later than I should have. Ryan Riddle tried to tell me after our first film room that I should get Hunt on the show. I listened, but I got caught up in my own little hamster wheel of weekly work and it wasn’t until late October that I coincidentally saw a game preview from Hunt re-tweeted by one of my followers that I realized that error of my ways.

Hunt, a former running back at Louisiana Lafayette, does insightful and entertaining work at Footballgameplan.com. He joined me this week to study Minnesota’s David Cobb, a 5-11, 229 lb. runner who posted 233 total yards on 35 touches against the Michigan Wolverines in September.

If you want to learn about running back play, this is a great video as a starting point because Cobb’s game allowed us to discuss several fundamental and advanced points of the position.

Knowing what type of player you are and operating within your limitations.

The importance of hip flexibility.

The benefits of running on the balls of your feet.

The “IT Factor” explained as “Integrated Technique.”

The anatomy of an effective cut block vs. the anatomy of an effective stand-up block.

Cutback ability and the difference between a competent NFL starter and a potential NFL star at the position.

Telltale signs of good burst vs. great burst on film.

Examples of pre-snap reads a running back should make, and how field position might dictate otherwise.

The Tai Chi of attack and avoid as a runner.

Why fast backs are better fits with gap plays inside and not-quit-as-fast backs are often more effective on toss plays outside.

For analysis of skill players in this year’s draft class, download the 2014 Rookie Scouting Portfolio – available now. Better yet, if you’re a fantasy owner the 56-page Post-Draft Add-on comes with the 2012 – 2014 RSPs at no additional charge. Best, yet, 10 percent of every sale is donated to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse. You can purchase past editions of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio for just $9.95 apiece.